Open to new and advanced players. Dungeons and Dragons presents endless possibilities and allows you to roleplay as a hero in your own story. Players work together as a team to decide how to respond to problems and solve them. D&D is not only fun-- it's a group social activity that teaches teamwork, cooperation, storytelling, problem-solving, and even math. D&D has become one of our most popular classes, we are so excited to introduce a new generation to this timeless and unique game!

MEET THE DUNGEON MASTER:

MICHAEL BADGER (he/him) has been a fan of fantasy and role playing games since time immemorial. He learned to run Dungeons & Dragons games by listening to actual-play podcasts and DMed his first campaigns for his sister and friends during COVID lockdown. He never really stopped after that, turning him into what is known as a forever DM. He practices improv locally and has a Master's Degree in Creative Writing - using both to write and run home-brew settings for friends and family. He strongly believes that communal story-telling is an incredible way to grow, learn to think creatively, and build strong community.

In this class, students discover the art of filmmaking from its early beginnings to modern-day blockbusters. We will watch and analyze iconic film clips that have shaped the industry, from classic Hollywood movies to international cinema and contemporary indie films. Students will explore themes, character development, symbolism, and narrative structure, and use these insights to craft their own short films. Students may decide to work in groups or individually to craft their own video content. We will explore scriptwriting, storyboards, cinematography, production design, and acting. Students will work with a variety of digital media apps including Capcut, Procreate, Stop Motion Studio, Canva and more. 

ELECTRONICS: We have iPads available for students to use during class. If students bring their own iPads, we will share how to download and use a variety of apps.

Check out our YOUTUBE CHANNEL to view student work!

Learn more about our programs at ArtCamp504.org

In this studio class, young artists will build skills in drawing and painting while exploring a wide range of materials, including pencil, graphite, charcoal, oil pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paint. Each session begins with a focused technique lesson—such as color theory, shading, composition, perspective, figure drawing, or portraiture—followed by time for students to apply what they’ve learned to their own creative projects. Students will develop confidence in their artistic voice through guided instruction, one-on-one support, and a nurturing peer community. Regular critique sessions help students learn how to talk about their work and give thoughtful feedback to others. The class culminates in a public gallery show, where students will present their final pieces inside our magical Enchanted Forest house float!

Find your people at Art Camp 504's newest Teen Club, Improv Comedy!

Whether you are a natural jokester or just curious about trying something new, this class is designed to help students build confidence, sharpen their wit, and find their unique comedic voice—no experience required! Through engaging exercises and acting games, students will learn the essentials of comedic timing, improvisation, and stage presence—all while having an absolute blast! By the end of the course, you'll leave with a solid grasp of comedy fundamentals and the confidence to apply humor in any creative field. The semester culminates in a family performance at Big Couch Nola!

TROUPE GUIDELINES: Listen actively when others are performing, Wait your turn and respect the flow of the activity, Follow the rules of each game or exercise. Improv is all about collaboration. Students must be able to work respectfully and cooperatively with everyone in the troupe. 

This class is in partnership with Big Couch Nola. Class is held at Big Couch Theater, 1045 Desire St in the Bywater.

FINAL PERFORMANCE: Tuesday, May 5, 5:45 - 6:45pm

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Mary Jacobs is a local comedian and Improv educator from New Orleans, Louisiana. She’s trained and taught across America, including and education from infamous Second City in Chicago. Her passion for educating youth in the comedic arts is no joke and believes comedy can connect us to our humanity and community in a deep (and silly) way. In addition to her experience as an educator she can be found across stages in New Orleans as a comedian, host, and MC. She is so looking forward to the opportunity to foster the next generation of jesters here in New Orleans. Mary currently works with Big Couch Nola - a creative incubator that produces standup & sketch comedy, theater productions, drag, film, music and more!

Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive at 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay via venmo to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP. 

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!

Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive at 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP. 

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!